Studies have confirmed that acupoint massage, medicinal tea, and dietary guidelines in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can relieve or treat headaches and dizziness.
- They put too much pressure on themselves.
- They often have poor posture.
- They overindulge in cold foods.
- They don’t blow dry their hair completely after washing it.
- They are overworked.
Acupoints Massage
Massaging relevant acupoints is a simple and easy way to quickly relieve the symptoms of headaches, dizziness, and migraines. The principle behind acupoint massage is to regulate the flow of qi and blood by stimulating specific acupoints on the hands, feet, head, neck, and other parts, thereby correcting the state of the relevant body parts.Acupuncture, acupoint massage, and natural therapies such as herbal teas and diets in TCM have been well-known for thousands of years in China and are attracting increased research and practice in the West.
1. Qiuxu Acupoint
The Qiuxu acupoint is at the depression on the front of the outer ankle. Massaging this acupoint can treat migraines. If you have a headache on the right side, press the Qiuxu acupoint on the left ankle, and vice versa. Massaging this acupoint for about three to four seconds is often enough to relieve the pain.
2. Chize Acupoint
The Chize acupoint is located on the inside of the arm, the deepest point in the elbow pit when the arm is bent. If the carotid arteries are constricted, blood will be blocked and challenging to transport upward, thus reducing the blood supply up to the brain, resulting in stiffness and pain in the neck, headache, and dizziness. Repeatedly pressing the Chize acupoint will help relieve stiffness in the neck.Press the left Chize point and the left side of the neck will become relaxed and can move. Pressing the right Chize point will release the right side of the neck. This can allow expansion of the carotid arteries, thus reducing the pressure and allowing unimpeded blood flow to the head, thereby relieving and treating headaches.
3. HeGu and Lieque Points
The HeGu point lies in the groove between the thumb and forefinger. The Lieque acupoint is on the lower wrist.Cold air blowing directly on the top of the head can contribute to headaches because it can slow the circulation of qi and blood. Ancient literature had records showing that massaging the HeGu and Liequ acupoints alternately can treat pain in the head and face. This is a very effective method for improving headaches, especially migraines.
4. YongQuan Point
The YongQuan acupoint lies in the depression at the bottom of the foot, about one-third of the way from the front to the back. Massaging this acupoint can relieve any kind of headache. You can press either the left or right YongQuan acupoint. You can also massage this point by walking barefoot on a trail. The pebbles will stimulate the YongQuan and other acupoints on the bottoms of the feet. “Treating a headache by activating the foot” is widely used in traditional Chinese clinical practice. When the qi in the head is too strong and causes a headache, by stimulating the soles, the qi will come toward the feet, relieving the head of the excessive qi and relieving the headache.
Herbal Teas
Drinking herbal tea is a convenient and practical way to replenish blood, clear heat, soothe the nerves, and tonify the kidneys, among other things. It’s found to have a preventive and therapeutic effect on headaches and dizziness. Here are some common medicinal teas.Wolfberry Tea
Wolfberry is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that protects the eyes, improves eyesight, and nourishes the blood, liver, kidneys, and more. It can treat headaches and dizziness caused by kidney deficiency or liver fatigue. Prepare wolfberry tea with 10 to 20 grams (0.4 to 0.7 ounces) of wolfberry, brew it with boiling water, and drink it. Wolfberry tea can be taken daily to nourish the skin and improve physical strength.Red Dates, Cinnamon, and Ginger Tea
Red dates can replenish qi and blood, strengthen the spleen, and treat headaches and dizziness caused by insufficient qi and blood. Ginger is widely used in TCM for its warming and analgesic properties, which can help treat headaches and dizziness.Making a Medicinal Diet
Adding medicinal herbs to meals is a delicious and nutritious way to replenish the blood, qi, kidneys, and more. The principle behind medicated meals is to select some Chinese medicinal herbs with specific properties to add to food. The right herbs and foods can combat headaches and dizziness. The following is a soup that has several kinds of medicinal foods.Milkfish Head Soup
Milkfish is a saltwater fish rich in protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and other nutrients. It can nourish the kidneys and blood, replenish qi, soothe the mind, and more.- Boil 3 to 5 milkfish heads.
- Add Gastrodia elata, Poria cocos, Codonopsis pilosula (dangshen), chamomilein, and 70 fluid ounces of water. Cook for about 20 minutes.
- Add 1 piece of cut tofu and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Uncaria, then stir thoroughly, and add seasoning before serving.
Causes of Dizziness and TCM Countermeasures
Dizziness is a warning sign and can be life-threatening in severe cases. Its leading cause is cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, causing brain dysfunction. There are many causes of cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, such as postural cerebral ischemia, anemia, unstable blood pressure, and vascular obstruction. Dizziness can be a symptom of underlying disease or deficiency.From the perspective of TCM, to eliminate dizziness from its root, it’s advised to employ various methods to ensure sufficient blood flow, dilate blood vessels, allow qi and blood to flow to the brain unimpeded, and refresh the mind.
TCM has discovered that the human body possesses a “meridian” system, which is responsible for transporting “qi” and “blood” throughout the body. These are the essential substances of life that maintain the body’s physiological activities. Qi is the “energy” or “vitality” that constitutes life in the body, while blood supplements nutrients. The relentless circulation of qi and blood maintains the balance and stability of various tissues and organs. When the body experiences an imbalance or deficiency of qi and blood, disease or other conditions may occur.
In addition to acupoint massage, herbal teas, and medicated meals, TCM practitioners can prescribe medications to treat headaches and dizziness. For example, “Pueraria Gegen Decoction” and “Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Decoction” dilate the muscles’ blood vessels and help qi and blood reach the brain. In addition, prescriptions for replenishing qi and blood are also available, such as “Four Gentlemen Decoction” and “Si Wu Decoction,” or “Ba Zhen Decoction,” which is a combination of the “Four Gentlemen” and “Si Wu.”
Some of these natural Chinese medicinal herbs can replenish qi, some can replenish blood, and some can replenish both. Once qi and blood are sufficient, the human body will have enough blood to supply all parts of the body, resulting in the blood pressure remaining stable, and the brain won’t lack blood and oxygen. This will cause headaches and dizziness to be reduced or disappear. You can ask a professional TCM practitioner to prescribe something suitable for your condition if needed.
Some of the herbs mentioned above may sound unfamiliar, but many can be found in health food and Asian grocery stores. In addition, because everyone’s body constitution is different, the corresponding treatment methods are also different. Please consult a professional physician for specific treatment plans and choose the method that suits you most.
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